Leadership.
"Leader."
Many of us spend a great deal of time learning as much as we can so we can be good leaders. How many leadership books do you have on your shelf? How many blogs, audiobooks, and podcasts can you cram into a day? Been to any good seminars lately?
Jesus was a great leader. He, however, is perfect, so I suppose that is to be expected.
What does being a "leader" mean? This is an interactive post today, so I really want to know what you think.
For me, a leader is someone I respect and trust, a wiser-than-I-am person who will impart knowledge and encourage me to be the best that I can be. Now, this is Yvonne speaking to you, so you know the qualification list in actuality is much longer.
How do we build trust? Relationship. How do relationships work? Back and forth communication. Learning the other person. Hearing what they have to say.
Did you hear...or read (since this is a blog)...that?
You need to hear what the other person has to say.
What do you have to do to hear? You have to listen. Listening means paying attention to the words being spoken without trying to plan your next sentence. Ask questions. "What do you mean when you say ____?" "I'm trying to make sure I understood what you said. I think I heard you say ______, is that right?"
What happens when you don't listen? You will not connect, you will not grow, the other person will not grow, and there will be no relationship. In the work place, if you won't listen, please don't dare ask why your employees are not engaged. It goes together.
Today's blog is being brought to you by an interaction I heard earlier today. A leader brought a coworker a specific set of instructions. They were terribly wrong, mind you, and had those instructions been carried out....well, I don't even want to think about the nightmare that would follow! Coworker tried to point out the problems.
Leader says, "It doesn't matter what you think."
Did you read that?
Actually it does matter. It always matters what someone thinks. And we need to listen. The thoughts may accurate or they may not be accurate due to a lack of facts or discernment. Active listening by a leader and discussion will clear that up right away.
Was the issue resolved? Yes. By way a of a leader who listens.
My question to you, Reader/Leader is: how many people do you think will willingly follow that first "leader"? Would you want to? What do you think the employees think about that leader and his/her abilities to lead them to professional success?
